11:40 LRN Sportscast July 1

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pelicans and forward Zion Williamson are close to reaching agreement on a contract extension that would keep the star in New Orleans for the next six seasons. The five-year deal would be worth as much as $231 million according to the report, an average of $46.2 million per season, and includes protections for both sides. In 85 career games, Williams has posted 25.7 points per game while shooting over 60 percent and was named to the 2020 All-Star team.

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The Pels introduced rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell to the media on Thursday. Daniels, a 6-7 guard, brings a lot of versatility to the lineup and feels like he can contribute in a number of ways.

Cut 17 (20) “…here right now.”

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A seismic shift in college sports as USC and UCLA are leaving the PAC-12 for the Big Ten starting with the 2024 season. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.”

Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the SEC and Big Ten superpowers.

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In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member today, while the Sun Belt has added James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss, expanding its membership to 14.

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Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

11:30 LRN Newscast July 1

Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills from the regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says members of the legislature will vote on if they’ll shave a veto session and while there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must have ballots returned on the 11th.

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost 17-percent more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says but on the bright side the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

Essence Fest says their COVID vaccination policy remains in place. There’s been confusion and a tweet, sent in error, that said you can bring a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination. According to NOLA.com the proof of vaccination policy for attendance remains in place.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 1

Ballots were sent out this week that ask state lawmakers if they want to cancel a veto session currently scheduled for June 16th. The governor vetoed over two dozen bills from the recent regular session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the deadline for returning ballots if they do not want a veto session is July 11th…
cut 9 (12) “….when they come in”

The world of college athletics is changing again as U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
ut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.
ct 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agents are conducting Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July weekend. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says they will arrest boat operators who are impaired…
cut 12 (10) “….already”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 1

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and/or vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

It’s July 1st and the Pink Tax exemption goes into effect today. The state tax on feminine products and diapers has been removed. The bill was sponsored by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman and to mark the occasion she’s holding a donation drive of such product along with the Jr. League of New Orleans for entire month.

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says each year the American Farm Bureau Federation surveys grocery stores across the country for the average price of burgers, pork chops and all the fixings.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from last year.”

But in the southeast the average price of a cookout for ten is $64.31.

USC and UCLA, two of the most storied programs in the country, are preparing to leave the PAC-12 for the Big Ten as early as 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust says he expects even more changes with the emergence of NIL, that will be tested by players who see the money changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09)  “…entitled to.”

 

8:30 LRN Newscast

Ballots went out this week to state lawmakers for them to vote on cancelling a veto session. The Conservative Caucus in the House is pushing for an override veto session after the governor vetoed bills to provide more school options for students and personal liberty legislation when it comes vaccination status. But House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says there are some lawmakers who are not interested in holding a veto session….
cut 8 (07) “…them are”
It would take a majority vote in either the House or Senate to cancel the veto session, which is scheduled for July 16th.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents are participating in Operation Dry Water. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators…
Cut 10 (07) “…on the waterways.”

Former Monroe Police officer Jared Desadier is expected to enter a guilty plea in a police brutality case today. That’s according to the attorneys for the victim, Timothy Williams, who says in April of 2020 he was kicked in the face and head after running from officers. Desadier was accused of malfeasance in office and second-degree battery.

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on another major shakeup in college sports…
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb”

7:30 LRN Newscast July 1

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled that the Clean Air Act does not give the EPA broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Environmental advocates say the decision is a blow in the fight against climate change, while the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association applauds the Supreme Court’s decision saying EPA’s regulations have cost Americans at the pump.

The cost of a fourth of July cookout is 17-percent higher compared to last year according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and gas prices have made farm supplies more expensive…
cut 6 (08) “…transported”
Survey results showed the retail price for two pounds of ground beef is up 36-percent from last year.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents will take part in Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July weekend. L-D-W-F spokesperson Adam Einck says agents will be out in force patrolling state waterways for impaired boat operators…
cut 11 (07) “….nation average”
Einck says a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Hold on to your hats as we are looking at another round of realignment in college athletics. In a move that caught nearly everyone by surprise, U-S-C and U-C-L-A are heading from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 and will begin playing in the Big 10 in 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Deterimental podcast, Dan Lust, says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter move….
cut 14 (12) “…keep pace”
Lust says he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts.

LSU is scheduled to kick-off the 2024 season against USC in Las Vegas. That will be the Trojans first game as a member of the Big 10. In other football scheduling news, the Tigers are set to host Louisiana Tech again in 2025.

The Pelicans introduced two of their draft picks to the media yesterday. New Orleans was surprised when E-J Liddell was still available when they took him with the 41st pick. Liddell says his competitiveness is his greatest asset and New Orleans is the perfect fit…
cut 18 (13) “….do that here”
Liddell played three seasons at Ohio State and shot 37-percent from three point territory this past season.

In transfer portal news, LSU’s Drew Bianco has entered the transfer portal. Bianco has been with the Tigers for four seasons, but only had five hits this past season. Meanwhile the Ragin Cajuns are adding to their pitching staff as Charleston Southern’s Jerry Couch plans to play his senior season at U-L Lafayette. Couch was 3-and-3 with a 6.55 ERA this past season.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 1

Governor Edwards vetoed 28 bills passed by state lawmakers in the recent regular legislative session. The question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says ballots to cancel the veto session went out this week…:
Cut 7 (10) “…that will take place.”
All it takes is a majority of lawmakers in either the House or Senate to cancel a veto session.

Another major shake up in college athletics is taking place as U-C-L-A and U-S-C are moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 10. NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.” and the Big 10 and the SEC could be the last two major conferences standing
Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LRN AM Newscall July 1

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and/or vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

________________________________________________

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says each year the American Farm Bureau Federation surveys grocery stores across the country for the average price of burgers, pork chops and all the fixings.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from last year.”

But in the southeast the average price of a cookout for ten is $64.31.

Davidson says that breaks down to just under $7 per person but it’s still a sizeable increase from last year. On the bright side he says the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

He says the reasons for the increase in prices are supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and gas prices.

Cut 6 (08)  “…transported.”

And while food prices are higher, Davidson says there’s a common misconception that farmers are making more. He says on average on eight cents from each dollar spent makes it back to your local farmer.

_____________________________________________

Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills passed by state lawmakers during the recent regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says state law requires House & Senate members to vote NOT to have one, otherwise they are scheduled automatically. He says ballots for that vote went out this week…:

Cut 7 (10) “…that will take place.”

Schexnayder says some are ready to have one, after the Governor ended bills that would have sent state education dollars to private or homeschooled students who read below their grade level…barred discrimination based on one’s vaccination status…stiffened penalties for killers of cops or first responders and others. He also says there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must return the ballots sent to them by the 11th. Schexnayder says a simple majority of members voting NOT to convene will cancel the override session. He says the House & Senate are also aware of the money already spent this year on legislative actions…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…when they come in.”

Schexnayder says he would prefer to have the override session, but he’ll abide by the will of members. He says vetoed bills can be revisited next year.

____________________________________________

Operation Dry Water begins Friday and wraps up on Independence Day. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators of vessels. He says while alcohol and open containers are allowed while on the water…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the waterways.”

Einck says what’s traditionally an enjoyable pastime for the 4th can quickly turn tragic when an impaired operator is on the water.

Cut  11 (07)  “…nation average.” 

In addition to looking for impaired operators this weekend, Einck says agents are also encouraging boaters to have the correct number of life jackets and that they are Coast Guard approved. And if you are caught impaired and operating a boat it can be costly.

Cut 12 (10) “…already.” 

A first offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

____________________________________________

In a move that will reverberate throughout the world of college athletics USC and UCLA, two of the most storied programs in the country, are preparing to leave the PAC-12 for the Big Ten as early as 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.”

Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter of its own. Now it adds the nation’s second-largest television market to its roster just before it finalizes a new television deal with Fox and raises its level of competition within the league.

Cut 14 (12)  “…to keep pace.”

Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see the money changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09)  “…entitled to.”

________________________________________

The New Orleans Pelicans introduced rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell to the media on Thursday. With a roster loaded with players looking for minutes, head coach Willie Green says it’s a great problem to have.

Cut 16 (20)  “…just keep rolling.”

Dyson Daniels, a 6-foot-7 inch point guard, was the team’s top choice heading into the draft according to GM Trajan Langdon. Daniels says he can help the team in a number of ways, starting on the defensive end.

Cut 17 (20) “ …here right now.” 

The Pels were surprised that EJ Liddell was still available when they took him with the 41st pick. Liddell says his competitiveness is his greatest asset and New Orleans is the perfect fit.

Cut 18 (13) “ …do that here.” 

______________________________________________

5:30 LRN Newscast June 30

GOHSEP launches a program to help Hurricane Ida survivors who have exhausted all their avenues in recovery but still need assistance. Spokesperson Mike Steele says the program is for example for someone that’s home is livable, but they’re appliances were destroyed.

Cut 5  (08) “…type program.”

Visit GetAGamePlan.org forward slash Ida-D-C-M-P

Baton Rouge Police say a worker at a fast-food restaurant was shot over an argument about a food order. Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says the gunman was upset his order was given to another customer and confronted the worker in the parking lot and shot him. He says the victim will recover, but no arrest has yet been made…:

CUT 13(09)      “…they are.”

Department of Health has reported the state’s first positive case of West Nile Virus. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says those who are over the age of 60 and those with pre-existing medical conditions carry the highest of risk for developing a more severe infection which can result in hospitalization and the potential for death or severe brain damage.

Cut 8 (12) “…increased risk”

Work has begun on elevating LA 1 in Lafourche Parish from the Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow. The price tag for this elevated stretch of highway is over 800-million dollars. Executive Director of the LA 1 Coalition Henri Boulet says the project received a large amount of federal grant money as a result of 20 private industry partners providing over a million dollars in match money

Cut 10 (10) “…strong application”